If India were mediocre with the bat after being put in, Bangladesh were being pathetic. Chasing a modest target of 187, Bangladesh collapsed to 136 for 9 in spite of cruising at 128 for 4 in the 35th over.
But India just couldn’t get that final wicket. Mehidy Hasan Miraz (38 not out) and No.11 Mustafizur Rahman (10 not out) forged a sensational unbroken 51-run stand that helped Bangladesh escape with a one-wicket win in the first ODI at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur on Sunday.
For sure Miraz and Mustafizur deserve all the credit for their wonderful temperament in telling circumstances. That said, with due respect to Miraz and Mustafizur, India’s bowlers should draw flak for not being able to get just one more wicket when they still had 51 runs to defend.
On a sluggish track with uneven bounce, Mohammed Siraj (3/32) and Shardul Thakur (1/21) did well to focus on back-of-a-length deliveries that made Bangladeshi batsmen err. Prior to that, Virat Kohli, scoring only nine with the bat, took a fantastic catch at short cover to help get rid of a well-set Shakib-al Hasan, who was instrumental (5/36) in bundling India out for 186 in 41.2 overs.
But what made matters easier for Miraz, in particular, was repeated short deliveries from Deepak Chahar in his second spell along with India’s sloppy ground fielding.
Talking of India’s batsmen, barring top-scorer KL Rahul (73 off 70 balls), none among the rest showed the necessary application on that pitch.
Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has been released from India’s ODI squad in consultation with the BCCI medical team. Pant will be joining the team ahead of the Test series beginning December 14.
England in driving seat
Rawalpindi: England made a bold declaration and used short-ball bowling tactics to great effect to stay on course for a comprehensive victory in the opening Test against Pakistan on Sunday.
Having taken a 78-run lead in the run-fest, England declared their second innings on 264/7 to set Pakistan a victory target of 343 with four sessions to go.
On a docile pitch, England’s pace attack bent their backs and diligently pursued a short-ball strategy to dent Pakistan’s top order.
The home side finished the penultimate day on 80/2, still263 behind their target, withNo. 3 batter Azhar Ali unlikely to bat again after retiring hurt with a damaged finger.
Opener Imam-ul-Haq (43)and debutant Saud Shakeel(24) were resisting England’svictory march when bad light stopped play. England’s JoeRoot surprised all by batting left-handed against leg spinner Zahid Mahmood for a couple of deliveries.
“In the dressing-room we’ve got strong aggressive leaders who are willing to risk things,” England assistant coach Paul Collingwood said.
Brief scores: England 657 & 264/7d (J. Root 73, H. Brook 87); Pakistan 579 & 80/2. At stumps, Day IV.
Reuters
